How To Handle Delayed Car Accident Injuries

Auto accidents can be traumatic, resulting in broken bones, lacerations, or even death. Unfortunately, not all accident-related injuries can be seen at the crash scene or even found right away in the emergency room. Your body's endorphins and adrenaline can flood your body and mask your pain.

But what happens when you state you are fine following the crash but later find out that, in reality, you have suffered severe injuries? How you proceed can affect your personal injury lawsuit and your ability to receive compensation. Here is some advice on how to proceed. 

1. Seek Medical Care

Even if you do not feel any pain or appear injured following your auto accident, you still need to be evaluated by a medical professional. Not only will your visit create a record of your accident, but it will provide your physician with a base-line for any injuries that show up later, such as the following:

• Soft-tissue injuries - These injuries include sprains, strains, and whiplash. 
• Organ damage or internal bleeding - These injuries often occur due to seatbelt, airbag trauma, or blunt force trauma from the impact.
• Nerve damage - Peripheral neuropathy, numbness, tingling, burning, stabbing, or shooting pains result from traumatic impacts on your extremities' nerves.
• Back and spine injuries can come from nerve compressions, damaged discs, misalignment, etc. 
• Traumatic brain injuries - Most commonly known as TBIs or concussions, these injuries are not to be taken lightly and can range from mild to severely damaging. 

Make sure you record all medical appointments you attend due to your accident. Ask for copies of your medical records in case you later need them for evidence.

2. Follow Medical Advice

It is often easy to ignore medical advice when you do not feel that you have substantial injuries, but the defense may later use this to try to prove you were not injured as severely as you state. Ensure you follow all medical advice and schedule follow-up appointments following your initial medical care. For example, emergency room physicians will often advise you to follow up with your primary care doctor after they see you in the ER. If this is their recommendation, make sure you do so. 

3. Do Not Settle or Sign Anything 

It is in the insurance company's best interest to settle your claim as quickly as possible for the least amount of money. You may hear from an adjuster within the first few days following your accident. It is crucial not to sign or agree to settle your claim until you know the full extent of your injuries and can seek legal assistance. 

The insurance company may try to get you to sign away your rights or settle your claim for a lowball offer. The company may also present you with other documents to "process your case." Some of these may include:

• Medical Authorization Release - This allows the insurance company access your medical history and any pertinent medical records related to the accident. 
• The Release of All Liability and Claims - This impacts your ability to file a claim against the company.
• The Property Damage Release - This impacts the repair or reimbursement for your vehicle's damage. 

All three of these documents can significantly impact your auto accident claim. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers can help protect you and your rights until you know the full extent of your injuries and are ready to file for the full compensation you are entitled to. Because we work on a contingency basis, you do not have to worry about legal fees until we settle your case. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment.